This makes no logical sense. Somebody investing into their future does nothing but benefit the government financially because if somebody gets educated and gets decent paying job, that means that they are putting less strain on the system (in the case of SSI) and making the government more money in the form of more taxes. They should be winging people off SSI (except the ones that have a disability so severe that it would be impossible to heal enough to hold down a job that is) by giving people hand ups instead of hand outs.

With that being said, try to work something out with them so that you can go. I did a tour at a Job Corps campus one time a few years ago and I honestly wish I would have went instead of caving into people saying how the place sucks or my own anti authoritarian personality where I hate too many rules and too much structure. They do have a lot of rules but if you still struggle learning certain life skills (such as how to drive, how to manage money and time, how to live with others your age, how to cook, how to keep your place cleaned up and divide chores, ETC) it can be perfect for you.

Looking back, I think I would have gotten my life together much sooner while spending less money trying to figure out things on my own if I would have stopped listening to people and just went. Of course, now I am too old to go so it doesn't matter.

So if you can get away with going, I would advise doing so. Also see about getting a tour to a local Job Corps campus to get a feel of the place and see if it's right for you.